Today, Explained Tater bot
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Feb 12, 2025 
Katya Schwenk, a reporter at The Lever, dives into the frozen potato industry's surprising price-fixing controversies. She reveals how a handful of companies potentially collude to control prices, sparked by alarming hikes noticed by a bar owner. The discussion highlights systemic challenges in food pricing and the troubling effects of algorithmic pricing on market fairness. Schwenk sheds light on the urgent need for stronger anti-monopoly measures, urging listeners to consider the broader economic implications of these practices.
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Josh's Observation
- Josh Saltzman, a bar owner, noticed simultaneous price hikes on french fries from different suppliers.
- He tweeted about suspected collusion, sparking a discussion that later appeared in lawsuits.
Hidden Potato Giants
- Four companies control almost all of the frozen potato market.
- These companies, not household names, mainly supply restaurants, not grocery stores.
Potato Track
- Potato companies allegedly use software called "Potato Track" to share pricing information.
- This data sharing enables potential price fixing, reducing market competition.